Complaint Review: Cottman Transmission

My car's transmission went out Sunday evening. I had it towed to one of three Cottman's in my area. The next day they never called me. I called over there, and they already had looked at the car.

So, I was told the computer codes said the fluid got clogged somewhere, the cooler failed, it overheated, the torque converter went bad, and that the trans needs total rebuild. It is a Neon, and was quoted low of $1800, to high of $2500. I said no thanks, I'll pick it up, and my girlfriend had already bought a new Honda. The next day I call in the morning, and he (the shop manager) said he'll be there until 5pm.

I get there at 4pm. The shop is abandoned. I call the next day, and stop by the shop. Abandoned. I call and call. Nothing. I call another Cottman's shop nearby, and they say the shop in question is going under, and the Leesburg manager is flaky and shady, with work that is substandard.

The Leesburg shop qoutes are grossly inflated (e.g. $2400, other Cottman quote/repair was $600). The other shop said they had a bunch of the Leesburg vehicles moved over. I call the home office, and they say the owner/manager of the Leesburg shop had an emergency and had to leave.

Which story is true I don't know. I am taking my vehicle elsewhere. You would think if the manager had to leave, at least the employee's would be there, or a note would be on the door. Most of the cars where emptied out from the shop, and it appears to be more abandoned than anything. The Leesburg's shop reputation is questionable even within it's own franchise. That should tell you something.

Rbeck83853
Leesburg, Virginia
U.S.A.